1868-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC. Vivid orange-gold and deep honey surfaces are near-fully lustrous and softly frosted. A touch of softness to the high points is easily forgiven, the strike bold to sharp in virtually all areas. Half eagle production at the San Francisco Mint ratcheted up slightly in 1868 to 52,000 pieces, the highest mintage for the denomination at the West Coast facility since the 1857-S. Unlike at the Philadelphia Mint where little bullion was available after the suspension of gold specie payments in December 1861, production of gold coins at San Francisco remained tied to commercial needs throughout the Civil War and early Reconstruction eras. It was these commercial needs that caused the demise of most 1868-S half eagles. Although a slightly higher mintage means that this issue is more obtainable in circulated grades than the 1866-S (No Motto and Motto) and 1867-S, the 1868-S is still scarce even at the Fine and VF levels. Extremely Fine and low end About Uncirculated coins are rare, while at and near the Mint State this issue is a major condition rarity. The Fairmont-JBR offering is a Condition Census coin that is destined for another advanced gold cabinet. PCGS# 8316. NGC ID: 25W6. PCGS Population: 8; 4 finer (MS-62 finest).<p>CAC Population: 3; 1. From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.
